abrasive

[ uh-brey-siv, -ziv ]
/ əˈbreɪ sɪv, -zɪv /

noun

any material or substance used for grinding, polishing, etc., as emery, pumice, or sandpaper.

adjective

tending to abrade; causing abrasion; abrading.
tending to annoy or cause ill will; overly aggressive: an abrasive personality.

Origin of abrasive

1870–75; < Latin abrās(us) (see abrasion) + -ive

SYNONYMS FOR abrasive

OTHER WORDS FROM abrasive

a·bra·sive·ly, adverb a·bra·sive·ness, noun un·a·bra·sive, adjective un·a·bra·sive·ly, adverb

Example sentences from the Web for abrasiveness

British Dictionary definitions for abrasiveness

abrasive
/ (əˈbreɪsɪv) /

noun

a substance or material such as sandpaper, pumice, or emery, used for cleaning, grinding, smoothing, or polishing

adjective

causing abrasion; grating; rough
irritating in manner or personality; causing tension or annoyance

Derived forms of abrasive

abrasiveness, noun

Medical definitions for abrasiveness (1 of 2)

abrasiveness
[ ə-brāsĭv-nĭs ]

n.

The property of a substance that causes surface wear by friction.
The quality of being able to scratch or abrade another material.

Medical definitions for abrasiveness (2 of 2)

abrasive
[ ə-brāsĭv ]

adj.

Causing abrasion.

n.

A material used to produce abrasion.